Southampton vs Manchester United: Opposition Threats

Southampton's Polish defender Jan Bednarek (C) wins a header in the build-up to their late equalizer during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on July 13, 2020. - The game finished 2-2. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Manchester United’s Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /

Bruno Fernandes – Midfielder

It should be of no surprise that the Portuguese-star is included on the list given his goal involvement for Manchester United so far this campaign at a staggering nine in eight games (six goals and three assists).

For some deeper context, Fernandes has played a total of 661 minutes in the Premier League, that means he has a goal involvement of one in every 73 minutes. Meaning that he is likely to pop in with some contribution for United if not kept under wraps by Southampton.

Given the 26-year-old plays in an attacking-midfield spot, James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu will be tasked with the job of trying to nullify the former Sporting Lisbon man, given the latter’s tackling ability, Romeu is best suited to the job of keeping Fernandes in check.

Strengths that the Portuguese possesses are thought to be his through balls, key passes, finishing, set-piece taking (penalties for sure), longs shots and defensive contribution.